Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users

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    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users

    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users

    How to Specify a Default Screen Saver for All Users in Windows 7
    Published by
    Designer Media Ltd


    How to Specify a Default Screen Saver for All Users in Windows 7


       Information
    This will show you how to set or change a specific screen saver of your choice to be used as the default screen saver for all users on the computer with the users also prevented from being able to change the screen saver.

    You will have to be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this tutorial.

       Note
    Screen Savers that come with Windows 7



    EXAMPLE: Screen Saver Settings
    NOTE: The Screen Saver selectionis grayed out if you specified a default screen saver for all users.
    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users-example.jpg



    OPTION ONE

    Through the Local Group Policy Editor

    1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

    2. In the left pane, click on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Control Panel, and Personalization. (see screenshot below)
    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users-gpedit-1.jpg
    3. In the right pane, double click on Force a specific screen saver to edit it. (see screenshot above)

    4. To Allow Users to Select their own Screen Saver
    A) Dot Disabled or Not Configured, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below step 6)
    NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.
    5. To Set a Default Screen Saver for All Users
    A) Select (dot) Enabled, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below step 6)

    B) Under Options, type in the full path of the .scr screen saver file.
    NOTE: If the .scr screen saver file is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder, then you will only need to type in the .scr screen saver file with it's extension included (ex: ssText3d.scr).
    6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)
    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users-gpedit-2.jpg
    7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.



    OPTION TWO

    Manually in Registry Editor

    1. Open the Start Menu, and type regedit in the search box and press enter.

    2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

    3. To Set a Default Screen Saver for All Users
    A) In regedit, navigate to the location below. (see screenshot below)
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users-reg1.jpg
    B) In the left pane right click on Windows, and click on New and Key. (see screenshot above)
    NOTE: If you already have the Control Panel key (step 3C), then skip this step and go to step 3D.

    C) Type in Control Panel, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users-reg2.jpg
    D) Right click on Control Panel, and click on New and Key. (see screenshot above)
    NOTE: If you already have the Desktop key (step 3E), then skip this step and go to step 3F.

    E) Type in Desktop, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users-reg3.jpg
    F) In the right pane of Desktop, right click on an empty space, and click on New and String Value. (see screenshot above)
    NOTE: If you already have the SCRNSAVE.EXE string value (step 3G), then skip this step and go to step 3H.

    G) Type in SCRNSAVE.EXE, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users-reg4.jpg
    H) In the right pane of Desktop, right click on SCRNSAVE.EXE, and click on Modify. (see screenshot above)

    I) Type in the full path of the .scr screen saver file, then click on OK. (see screenshot below)
    NOTE: If the .scr screen saver file is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder, then you will only need to type in the .scr screen saver file with it's extension included (ex: ssText3d.scr).
    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users-reg5.jpg
    J) Go to step 5.
    4. To Allow Users to Select their own Screen Saver
    A) In regedit, navigate to the location below. (see screenshot below)
    Code:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Control Panel\Desktop
    B) In the right pane of Desktop, right click on SCRNSAVE.EXE, and click on Delete. (see screenshot above)
    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users-reg6.jpg
    C) Click on Yes to approve deletion. (see screenshot below)
    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users-reg7.jpg
    D) In regedit, navigate to the location below, and repeat steps 4B and 4C if there is a SCRNSAVE.EXE entry here as well.
    Code:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Control Panel\Desktop
    5. Close regedit.
    That's it,
    Shawn









  1. Posts : 214
    Windows 7 Ultimate Professional x64
       #1

    Awesome tutorial as always Brink. Thanks for all of your hard work.

    Thanks,
    Ben
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2

    You're welcome Ben. Thank you. :)
      My Computer


  3. gkp
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7 32 and 64 bit
       #3

    I have the ss3Dtxt screen saver setup under the Group Policy. Now I just need to add the default text for all users to it. I tried adding a DisplayString entry in this same location but it does not seem to see it. Can you advise me where I should add to so all users will get it.

    Thank you,
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Hello GKP, and welcome to Seven Forums.

    If you set the 3D text in the normal Screen Saver settings location below and apply in the administrator account first, then specify it as the default screen saver, does it display?

    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users-settings.jpg

    Hope this helps for now,
    Shawn
      My Computer


  5. gkp
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7 32 and 64 bit
       #5

    Hi Shawn,

    Thanks for the fast response.

    When I change it at the options screen it will only display for the user a account that it logged in at the time. I need to set this up as a default for all users who log in. I have the screen saver setup under the GP but just need to set the text. I would prefer a registry setting so I can deploy it to all users.

    Gary
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Ok Gary. I'll do some testing tonight to see what I may be able to come up with for you, then post back with my results. :)
      My Computer


  7. gkp
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7 32 and 64 bit
       #7

    Thank you
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #8

    OK, I think I have something for you that may work for this. It will add the 3D Text screen saver settings for this to the HKLM location that should apply it to all user accounts. :)

    • Download the .reg file attached below to your desktop.
    • Right clink on the .reg file, and click on Edit.
    • In Notepad, chage the highlighted text inbetween quotes below (must be in quotes) for what you want to have displayed with the 3D Text screen saver.
    • In Notepad, click on File and Save.
    • Double click on the .reg file to merge it, then approve until finished.
    • Restart the computer to apply.
    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users-notepad.jpg
    Screen Saver - Specify a Default for All Users Attached Files
      My Computer


  9. gkp
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7 32 and 64 bit
       #9

    I added the settings but it will not overwrite the local user settings. I put two different DisplayStrings in and the one from the local user account show up. I even logged off and see if it would make a change.

    I found where I can add it to the default user for any new accounts but I am also looking to make changes to existing ones.

    I add the DispalyString under the default user and then logged in as a new user. It did not add it to the new user account. Now I am really looking for a way to do this.

    Gary
    Last edited by Brink; 28 Oct 2010 at 18:58. Reason: merged
      My Computer


 
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